Power transfer unit

ABSTRACT

A power transfer unit is disclosed. In a first implementation of the disclosed power transfer unit, a tubular assembly of the power transfer unit includes an encapsulated elbow hinge design with a reduced profile that permits substantially off-center installation of the housings of the power transfer unit. In a second implementation of the disclosed power transfer unit, the tubular assembly includes an inverted, telescoping tubing design that does not come apart during installation and use, and in some implementations may act as a stop for a closable member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofU.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/555,293, filed Feb. 19, 2016,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to power transfer units for transferringelectric power or signals from a closable member to a frame, and moreparticularly, to a tubular assembly for a power transfer unit.

BACKGROUND

In many applications of a door or other closable member, it is necessaryto pass electrical power, data, or signaling from a frame to the doorusing electrical wiring. For example, electrically operated door lockswith security devices (e.g., card readers, biometric readers, RFIDreaders, etc. . . . ), remote-controlled door locks, and door-mountedlights may require electrical power or signaling wiring that passes fromthe frame to the door. This requires the use of flexible wiring thatextends across the gap between a door and frame. Because the wiringextends across a gap and may change in direction and width as the doorswings open and closed, the wiring may be strained, pinched, orotherwise damaged. Moreover, the wiring may be tampered with if it isnot concealed.

Electrical power transfer units provide a means of protecting thiswiring and transferring electrical power or data from a frame to a doorin a secure and discreet manner. A problem with conventional powertransfer units is that they require near perfect installation of thedoor housing and doorframe housing such that they close on “center” whenthe door is closed so that the openings for the wirings within the doorhousing and doorframe are completely aligned when in the closedconfiguration. In such conventional designs, if the installation is notprecisely centered (e.g., off by as little as 1/16^(th) of an inch), thecomponents of the conventional power transfer unit may rub/contact eachother, which may lead to premature wearing of the parts or may interferewith the operation of the door.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In various embodiments, a power transfer unit that addresses theaforementioned problems is disclosed.

In a first embodiment, a tubular assembly for a power transfer unitincludes: a first encapsulated elbow hinge configured to attach to afirst housing of the power transfer unit at an aperture of the firsthousing; a second encapsulated elbow hinge configured to attach to asecond housing of the power transfer unit at an aperture of the secondhousing; and a telescoping tubular assembly. The telescoping tubularassembly includes an inner tube telescopically connected to an outertube, and each of the inner tube and the outer tube includes an endattached to a respective one of the first and second encapsulated elbowhinges.

In the first embodiment, each of the first and second encapsulated elbowhinges includes: an encapsulating member, including: a tubular portionextending along a first longitudinal end of the encapsulated elbowhinge, the tubular end portion rotatingly attached through the apertureof the first or the second housing; and a u-shaped portion comprisingspaced ears extending along a second longitudinal end of theencapsulated elbow hinge in a direction perpendicular to the first orthe second housing; and an encapsulated member pivotally attached to theencapsulating member between the spaced ears by a pivot connector.

In a second embodiment, a tubular assembly for a power transfer unitincludes: a first encapsulated elbow hinge configured to attach to afirst housing of the power transfer unit at an aperture of the firsthousing; a second encapsulated elbow hinge configured to attach to asecond housing of the power transfer unit at an aperture of the secondhousing; and a telescoping tubular assembly including: an inner tubetelescopically connected to an outer tube. In the second embodiment, theinner tube includes: a telescoping section that retracts into andextends out of the outer tube, where the telescoping section is flaredat its end; and a second section directly coupled to one of the firstand second encapsulated elbow hinge. The outer tube includes a crimpedend having an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the flaredend; and a second end directly coupled to one of the first and secondencapsulated hinges.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments are described in detail with reference to thefollowing figures. The drawings are provided for purposes ofillustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments.These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding ofthe invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth,scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that forclarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily madeto scale.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary environment in which the disclosedpower transfer unit may implemented, with a door in an open position.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary environment in which the disclosedpower transfer unit may implemented, with a door in a closed position.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example installation of the disclosed powertransfer unit in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 1D is a schematic, sectional plan view illustrating wiring passingthrough the disclosed power transfer unit in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a power transfer unit inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an openpower transfer unit in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating the power transfer unit ofFIG. 3A in a partially closed position.

FIG. 3C is a schematic, sectional plan view illustrating an embodimentof a power transfer unit in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of an encapsulated elbow hingethat may be used in embodiments of the disclosed power transfer unit.

FIG. 4B is another exploded perspective view illustrating theencapsulated elbow hinge of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side plan view of an encapsulated elbow hinge of a powertransfer unit after it is closed, in accordance with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional, schematic view illustrating the inside ofan encapsulated elbow hinge of a power transfer unit through whichwiring may be passed, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5A is an operational flow diagram illustrating an example methodfor manufacturing the telescoping tubing assembly of the disclosed powertransfer unit.

FIG. 5B a schematic, sectional plan view illustrating an embodiment ofthe telescoping tubing assembly of the disclosed power transfer unit.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that theembodiments and invention can be practiced with modification andalteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and theequivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In accordance with embodiments, a power transfer unit with a noveltubular assembly for transferring electric power or signals from aclosable member to a frame is disclosed. In a first embodiment of thedisclosed power transfer unit, the tubular assembly includes anencapsulated elbow hinge design with a reduced profile that permitssubstantially off-center installation of the housings of the powertransfer unit. In a second embodiment of the disclosed power transferunit, the tubular assembly includes an inverted, telescoping tubingdesign that does not detach during installation and use, and in someimplementations may act as a stop for a closable member.

In various embodiments, the disclosed power transfer unit could beadapted for use and installation with a variety of door and doorframedesigns where the transfer of electrical wiring or where a conduitbetween the door and doorframe is required. For example, the disclosedpower transfer unit may be installed in building doors, aircraft doors,terrestrial vehicle doors, and the like. Moreover, it should be notedthat although embodiments of the power transfer unit disclosed hereinwill be described with reference to doors and doorframes, one havingskill in the art would appreciate that the disclosed power transfer unitcould be used with other closable members such as windows.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary environment in which the disclosedpower transfer unit 100 may be implemented. As shown, power transferunit 100 shields wires 305 transferring electrical power and/or datafrom doorframe 200 to door 300. Power transfer unit 100 includes atubular assembly 170, a doorframe housing 180B installed in doorframe200, and door housing 180A installed in door 300. As door 300 rotatesfrom an open position (FIG. 1A) to a fully closed position on doorframe200 (FIG. 1B), tubular assembly 170 rotates and collapses into housings180A-180B, thereby being completely contained in door 300 and doorframe200 in the closed position.

In implementations, power transfer unit 100 may be used in conjunctionwith a door hinge (not shown) that guides the opening and closure ofswinging door 300. For example, the hinge may include a cam lift hinge,a butt hinge, an offset pivot hinge, or other suitable hinge for usewith power transfer unit 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, wiring 305 passes from doorframe 200 todoorframe housing 180B, through tubular assembly 170 into door housing180A, and into door 300. A sheath or hollow conduit 320 may be includedto protect and organize a bundle of wiring 305. Additionally, wireconnectors or housings 310 may be provided to install and organizewiring 305 (e.g., using color-coded terminal connectors). In someembodiments, the number of wires of wiring 305 that pass through powertransfer unit 100 may depend on an existing installation of wiresbetween doorframe 200 to door 300, the minimum circumference of tubularassembly 170, the flexibility of the wiring 305, the wiring gauge, theamount of space available in doorframe 200 and door 300, and the like.For example, in a particular implementation, wiring 305 includes between(2) and (20) 12-24 gauge power wiring and (1) Cat 5, Cat 5e, or Cat 6Ethernet cable.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of power transfer unit 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2 will bedescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 3A-3C, which illustrate an installedpower transfer unit 100 transitioning from an open to a closed position,which coincides with the open and closed position of the door 300 withinthe door frame 200. Power transfer unit 100 includes electrical backboxes 190A-190B, housings 180A-180B and tubular assembly 170.

Each electrical back box 190A-190B includes one or more tabs 195A-195Bfor passing wiring from a door or doorframe. In some embodiments, a wirestrain relief (not shown) is installed in tabs 195A-195B to hold one ormore wires running through power transfer unit 100. During installation,each electrical back box 190A-190B is installed in a respective cavityof a door or doorframe. Apertures 199 at the top and bottom ofelectrical back boxes 190A-190B receive fasteners 198 (e.g., screws,pins, nails, etc. . . . ) that secure and align a respective housing180A-180B to the back box 190A-190B, and in some embodiments secure theback box to the cavity of a door or doorframe.

Tubular assembly 170 is pivotally and hingededly coupled with thehousing 180A-180B. Tubular assembly 170 includes an outer tube 110, aninner tube 120 telescopically coupled to outer tube 110, and elbowhinges 140 and 150 coupled to a respective one of outer tube 110 andinner tube 120.

Each elbow hinge 140, 150 includes an encapsulating member 145, 155 witha tubular end portion inserted through a hole 185A, 185B of a housing180A, 180B. In particular embodiments, the diameter of holes 185A,185Bis between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. The tubular end portion is retained inthe housing by a retaining means such as a snap ring, lip, washer orsome combination thereof and may allow for relative rotational andlateral movement between the components. For example, as power transferunit 100 is opened or closed, encapsulating members 145, 155 freelyrotate with respect to housing 180A, 180B. Further, subject to thelimitations imposed by the retaining means, encapsulating members 145,155 may move in and out of holes 185A, 185B as power transfer unit 100is opened and closed so as to reduce the overall length of the tubularassembly 170 that extends between the housing 180A, 180B.

The other end of encapsulating members 145, 155 couple to (e.g., by oneor more pivot pins) and encapsulate an encapsulated member 143, 153 thatswivels between members 145, 155 as power transfer unit 100 is openedand closed. In embodiments, illustrated by FIG. 2A, encapsulated members143, 153 include a threaded end 143A, 153B that is threadably engaged toan inside end of inner tube 120 or outer tube 120. In alternativeembodiments, the ends of encapsulated members 143, 153 may be attachedto inner tube 110 by welding, gluing, snap ring, or other suitableattachment means. Furthermore, it is further contemplated that theattachment between the ends of the encapsulated members 143, 153 and theinner tube 110 may permit relative rotational or lateral movementbetween the components.

Starting from a 180° open position illustrated by FIG. 3A, tubularassembly 170 includes inner tube 120 telescopically extended out ofouter tube 110, and elbow hinges 140, 150 facing in a same direction. Inthis position, housings 180A and 180B are aligned in the same plane. Inembodiments, the maximum opening angle of power transfer unit 100 (andits corresponding door) may depend on the maximum angle of door hinge400, walls parallel to the door, or the maximum extension of inner tube120 with respect to outer tube 110.

In implementations where the maximum extension of inner tube 120 out ofouter tube 110 provides a maximum opening angle, tubular assembly 170may effectively act as a doorstop that is durable and does not comeapart during use. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the end110A of outer tube 110 that attaches to inner tube 120 is crimped, andthe end 121A of inner tube 120 that attaches to outer tube 110 isflared. In this manner, when flared end 121A contacts crimped end 110A,inner tube 110 reaches its maximum extension out of outer tube 110 andassembly 170 (and power transfer unit 100 and door 300) is preventedfrom opening further.

As the door 300 closes, illustrated by FIG. 3B, tubular assembly 170begins to collapse into the recesses 182 of housings 180A, 180B.Specifically, inner tube 120 retracts into outer tube 110, elbow hinges140, 150 begin pointing in opposite directions, and one of inner tube120 or outer tube 110 rotate depending on the direction that the doorcloses. For example, in embodiments where housing 180A closes on housing180B, outer tube 110 may rotate in the direction of closure. Conversely,in embodiments where housing 180A closes on housing 180B, inner tube 120would rotate in the direction of closure. At the same time, encapsulatedmembers 145, 155 rotate at their attachment point with respect tohousing 180A, 180B, and encapsulated members 143, 153 swivel inwardbetween the ears of their respective encapsulating member 145, 155.

FIG. 3C is a schematic, sectional plan view illustrating an embodimentof power transfer unit 100 in the closed position. In this position, thesurfaces of housing 180A and housing 180B are aligned horizontally andvertically and completely contain tubular assembly 170 in recesses 182.Elbow hinges 140, 150 point in opposite directions, inner tube 120 iscollapsed into outer tube 110, and the components of tubular assembly170 are angled to fit in recesses 182.

As noted above, in conventional designs if the doorframe housing anddoor housing are misaligned even slightly during installation (e.g., by1/16 of an inch), the power transfer unit elbows will not be completelycontained within the recesses of the housing and may rub with thehousing or even prevent closure of the door. By contrast, the disclosedencapsulated elbow hinges 140, 150 provide a reduced profile thatpermits substantially off-center installation of the housings of thepower transfer unit (e.g., up to 3/16 of an inch) such that hinges 140and 150 will still fit in recesses 182. The reduced profile is madepossible by locating encapsulated members 143, 145 within the openingsformed within the encapsulating members 145, 155.

For example, FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a design for an exemplaryencapsulated elbow hinge 500 in accordance with embodiments.Encapsulated elbow hinge 500 includes an encapsulated member 520rotatingly coupled between ears 512 of encapsulating member 510 usingone or more pivot connectors 530. In embodiments, pivot connector 530may be a pivot pin, a clevis pin, a dowel, a bolt and screw, and thelike.

Encapsulating member 510 includes a tubular end portion 511 along afirst longitudinal end of member 510 and a u-shaped end portion 512along a second longitudinal end of member 510. The longitudinal axis (I)of member 510 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. During operation, tubular endportion 511 is retained in an aperture of a power transfer unit housingby a retaining means (e.g., a snap ring, lip, washer, and the like), andis configured to rotate about the housing as the power transfer unitopens and closes. U-shaped portion 512 includes spaced ears that extendalong the second longitudinal end of member 510 in a directionperpendicular to the surface of the power transfer unit housing. Duringoperation, U-shaped portion 512 provides a recess for encapsulatingencapsulated member 520 as it swivels into and out of the space betweenthe ears. In preferred embodiments, illustrated by FIGS. 4A-4B, thespaced ears are approximately parallel. An aperture 523 at the base ofu-shaped portion, between the spaced ears, passes wiring running throughtubular end portion 511 to encapsulated member 520.

Encapsulated member 520 includes a first end pivotally attached betweenthe spaced ears of u-shaped portion 512, a second end 521 configured toattach to an outer or inner tube of the power transfer unit, and anaperture 522 for passing wiring through member 520 and out of end 521.As illustrated in this embodiment, end 521 is threaded and configured tobe threadably engaged to an inside end of an inner or outer tube of thepower transfer unit. Alternatively, end 521 may be attached to the inneror outer tube by welding, gluing, or other suitable attachment means.

During operation, encapsulated member 520 swivels into encapsulatingmember 510, between ears 512, as the power transfer unit is closed tominimize the total housing recess space occupied by elbow hinge 500.FIG. 4C is an assembled side view of encapsulated elbow hinge 500,illustrating this closed position. As illustrated in this embodiment,member 510 is approximately parallel along a transverse end (t) of ears512 and is angled along the recess of a housing (not shown) to provide areduced profile. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional, schematic viewillustrating the inside of encapsulated elbow hinge 500 through whichwiring may be passed.

FIG. 5A is an operational flow diagram illustrating an example method600 for manufacturing the telescoping tubing assembly of power transferunit 100. FIG. 5A will be described with reference to FIG. 5B, which isa schematic, sectional plan view illustrating the telescoping tubingassembly of power transfer unit 100, including an inner tube 120 with athinner portion 121 that telescopes into and out of outer tube 110. Inembodiments, the tubing assembly may be made of steel, aluminum, carbonfiber, or other suitable material.

In embodiments, prior to beginning method 600, inner tube 120 may bemachined and tapped to form a thinner, telescoping portion 121 and athicker portion 122. At operation 610, a first end of outer tube 110 iscrimped to obtain a crimped end 110A with a desired inner diameter lessthan the original diameter of outer tube 110. At operation 620, thenon-crimped end of outer tube 110 is cut to a desired length. Inembodiments, this desired length may depend on the dimensions andpositions of the recesses in the housings of the power transfer unit,and the final length of thinner portion 121 of inner tube 120. Atoperation 630, thinner portion 121 of inner tube 120 is inserted intoone end of outer tube 110 and pushed or slid through the other end ofouter tube 110. At operation 640, the end of thinner portion 121 thatwas pushed through outer tube 110 is cut and flared out to obtain aflared end 120A with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameterof crimped end 110A and less than the inner diameter of the remainder ofouter tube 110.

During opening and closure of the power transfer unit, thinner section121 of inner tube 120 telescopically extends into and out of outer tube110A. Because the inner diameter of the crimped end 110A of outer tube110 is greater than the outer diameter of the flared end 121A of innertube 120, this effectively acts as a stop the prevents accidentaldisassembly of the assembly, and in some embodiments may be used to setthe maximum opening angle of a power transfer unit. In implementationsof such embodiments, crimped end 110A and flared end 121A may bereinforced using tubular reinforcement methods known in the art.

In embodiments, the inner diameter of thicker section 122 of inner tube120 is the same as the inner diameter of outer tube 110. In this manner,the encapsulated elbow hinges may be uniformly designed to attach toeither end of the tubing assembly.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notof limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an examplearchitectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done toaid in understanding the features and functionality that can be includedin the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustratedexample architectures or configurations, but the desired features can beimplemented using a variety of alternative architectures andconfigurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the arthow alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning andconfigurations can be implemented to implement the desired features ofthe present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent modulenames other than those depicted herein can be applied to the variouspartitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operationaldescriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps arepresented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments beimplemented to perform the recited functionality in the same orderunless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one ormore,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in someinstances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intendedor required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a tubular assembly fora power transfer unit, comprising: a first encapsulated elbow hinge; asecond encapsulated elbow hinge; and a telescoping tubular assemblycomprising an inner tube telescopically connected to an outer tube,wherein each of the inner tube and the outer tube comprise an endattached to a respective one of the first and second encapsulated elbowhinges; wherein each of the first and second encapsulated elbow hingescomprises: an encapsulating member, comprising: a tubular end portionextending along a first longitudinal end of the encapsulated elbowhinge, the tubular end portion configured to rotatingly attach throughan aperture of a housing of the power transfer unit; and a u-shapedportion comprising spaced ears extending along a second longitudinal endof the encapsulated elbow hinge in a direction perpendicular to thehousing when the tubular assembly is attached to the power transferunit; and an encapsulated member pivotally attached to the encapsulatingmember between the spaced ears by a pivot connector, wherein theu-shaped portion provides a recess for at least partially encapsulatingthe encapsulated member as it swivels into and out of a space betweenthe ears.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner tube comprises:a telescoping section that retracts into and extends out of the outertube; and and a second section directly coupled to one of the first andsecond encapsulated elbow hinges, wherein the outer diameter of thesecond section is greater than the outer diameter of the telescopingsection.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outer tube comprises acrimped end, wherein the telescoping section of the inner tube comprisesa flared end, and wherein the inner diameter of the crimped end is lessthan the outer diameter of the flared end.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein each of the encapsulated members of the first and secondencapsulated elbow hinges comprises a threaded end threadably engaged toa respective end of the inner tube and the outer tube.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the u-shaped portion comprises a base between thespaced ears, the base comprising an aperture for receiving wiring passedthrough the tubular portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: first and second housings, each of the first and secondhousings comprising an aperture for passing wiring.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, further comprising: first and second electrical back boxes,wherein each of the first and second housings is installed on arespective one of the first and second electrical back boxes.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, further comprising: one or more wires connected toa power or data source at the first and second electrical back boxes,wherein the one or more wires extend through an interior of the tubularassembly into the first and second electrical back boxes.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer tube comprises a crimped end,wherein the telescoping section of the inner tube comprises a flaredend, and wherein the inner diameter of the crimped end is less than theouter diameter of the flared end.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereineach of the encapsulated members of the first and second encapsulatedelbow hinges comprises a threaded end threadably engaged to a respectiveend of the inner tube and the outer tube.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the inner diameter of the second section of the inner tube isthe same as the inner diameter of the outer tube.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pivot connector comprises a pivot pin, a clevispin, a dowel, or a bolt and screw.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe u-shaped portion comprises a base between the spaced ears, the basecomprising an aperture for receiving wiring passed through the tubularportion.
 14. A power transfer unit, comprising: first and secondhousings, each of the first and second housings comprising an aperturefor passing wiring; and a tubular assembly comprising: a firstencapsulated elbow hinge attached to the first housing at the firsthousing's aperture; a second encapsulated elbow hinge attached to thesecond housing at the second housing's aperture; and a telescopingtubular assembly comprising: an inner tube telescopically connected toan outer tube, wherein: the inner tube comprises: a telescoping sectionthat retracts into and extends out of the outer tube, wherein thetelescoping section is flared at its end; and a second section directlycoupled to one of the first and second encapsulated elbow hinge; and theouter tube comprises: a crimped end having an inner diameter less thanthe outer diameter of the flared end; and a second end directly coupledto one of the first and second encapsulated hinges wherein each of thefirst and second encapsulated elbow hinges comprises: an encapsulatingmember directly attached through the aperture of the first or the secondhousing and comprising a u-shaped portion comprising spaced earsextending along a longitudinal end of the encapsulated hinge; and anencapsulated member pivotally attached to the encapsulating memberbetween the spaced ears by a pivot connector, wherein the u-shapedportion provides a recess for at least partially encapsulating theencapsulated member as it swivels into and out of a space between theears.
 15. The power transfer unit of claim 14, further comprising: firstand second electrical back boxes, wherein each of the first and secondhousings is installed on a respective one of the first and secondelectrical back boxes.
 16. The power transfer unit of claim 15, furthercomprising: one or more wires connected to a power or data source at thefirst and second electrical back boxes, wherein the one or more wiresextend through an interior of the tubular assembly into the first andsecond electrical back boxes.
 17. The power transfer unit of claim 14,wherein the outer diameter of the second section is greater than theouter diameter of the telescoping section, and wherein the innerdiameter of the second section is the same as the inner diameter of theouter tube.
 18. The power transfer unit of claim 14, wherein each of theencapsulated members of the first and second encapsulated elbow hingescomprises a threaded end threadably engaged to a respective end of theinner tube and the outer tube.